A TRUST has donated £1,000 to keep the flags flying in Ilminster.

More than 100 flags line the length of the town centre through May and June, but now the much-loved display needs help.

The majority of the flags, and their supporting structures, need replacing.

The Gooch Charitable Trust has supported the 'Keep Our Flags Flying' project, which aims to replace the flags that line the town centre in Ilminster between May and June.

Angie Blackwell at Cottage Flowers, who has been spearheading the campaign, said it was "wonderful" to be involved in a project which benefit the town.

“People pop in to my shop with donations for the Appeal and it is just another example of this marvellous spirit of giving for which Ilminster is renowned," she said.

Mike Fry-Foley, Chairman of Experience Ilminster Community Interest Company, started the flag festival 13 years ago.

“We are indebted to The Gooch Charitable Trust for their magnificent contribution," he added.

"A big thank you to Heather Virgin, Chair of The Gooch Trust, and the Trustees, for supporting this project.

"The money will be used to replace the flags designed by Patrick and John Reyntiens and which will be displayed outside the Minster.

"We now need one final push to reach our target of £7,000 and I am confident that this will raised in the forthcoming weeks.”

The town’s 110 flags includes some designed by local artists Patrick and John Reytiens.

Twenty of the original flags were designed with children of Greenfylde School.

Many are faded and some have been been repaired multiple times.

More than 80 per cent need replacing.

Mr Fry-Foley added: “The flags are appreciated by residents and visitors alike and give the town a great atmosphere for events held during the Ilminster Midsummer Experience.”

To make a donation to the project visit JustGiving.com/crowdfunding/keepourflagsflying.

The Gooch Charitable Trust is an Ilminster based charity founded by Archie Gooch MBE and his daughter, Heather Virgin. It preserves St Mary's Parish Church and helps other charitable causes.